Tennessee fans roasting Nico Iamaleava after horrendous start with UCLA

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) following the loss against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) following the loss against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Tennessee football moved on from former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava after a drama-filled offseason and NIL contract disputes. 

The Vols were coming off a ten-win season and their first trip to the College Football Playoffs, but that wasn't enough for Nico as Josh Heupel announced the team was moving on from Nico after he held out of spring practice for an NIL raise. 

Nico has since transferred to UCLA, resulting in Tennessee landing former Appalachian State quarterback and recent UCLA transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar. 

The move has worked out so far for the Vols, but it has been the opposite result for Nico in his return home to Los Angeles. 

UCLA is 0-3 to start the season, and Tennessee fans did not hold back, roasting Nico for his decision to leave Tennessee for sunny California. 

One fan brought their Nico jersey to College Gameday today, which was hosted by Tennessee, but had a slight adjustment to the jersey. The new-look jersey replaced Nico's name on the back of the jersey with "Iama Having Regrets".

That's just one of a couple of different ways Tennessee fans made sure viewers of ESPN's College Gameday show knew how they felt about Nico after his departure from the program. 

Tennessee, on the other hand, has happily welcomed Aguilar into the program, and it seems to be for the better, as the Vols have started the season 2-0 and shown off their dynamic, explosive offense. 

Aguilar and the Vols are making final preparations to host No. 6 Georgia in a massive game on Rocky Top, with the winner propelling itself towards the top of the conference.